Comes ahead of the elections in May which will see Ann Barnes replacement elected to office

Children’s charity the NSPCC is writing to all candidates in the upcoming election for Kent’s police and crime commissioner, calling on them to pledge support to its latest campaign.

The election takes place on May 5 and will see a new PCC elected, regardless of the outcome. Incumbent Ann Barnes confirmed last month she would not be seeking re-election.

The NSPCC wants all those in the running to support its It’s Time campaign.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Every year over half a million children are abused in the UK, the equivalent of two children in every primary school classroom. The majority are unable to access the support and care they desperately need and the NSPCC believes it’s time this changed.

“We all have a choice about how a child’s life is shaped after abuse. Commissioners will have control over budgets and vital services which would ensure victims of child abuse get support.

“The prime minister has rightly prioritised child sexual abuse as a national threat - last year in Kent there were 1,337 child sex offences reported to police. Over 450 of these cases involved children aged 10 and under. We know that therapeutic support can help transform children’s lives.

“Through setting it as a strategic priority, the next police and crime commissioner for Kent can best ensure that abused children have access to the timely, evidence based support services they desperately need to overcome their ordeal.”